Multi-tool sleeve assembly including multi-tool storage sleeve and bar end cap

ABSTRACT

A multi-tool sleeve assembly includes a storage sleeve and a bar end cap to be inserted into an open end of the storage sleeve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/953,892 filed on Dec. 26, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference. In this instance, the day that is 12 months after the filing date of the provisional application falls on a Saturday (i.e., Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020). As such, the period of pendency of the provisional application is extended to the next succeeding business day (i.e., Monday, Dec. 28, 2020). See 35 U.S.C. 119(e)(3).

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a multi-tool sleeve assembly including a multi-tool storage sleeve and a bar end cap and, more specifically, relates to a multi-tool sleeve assembly including a multi-tool storage sleeve and a bar end cap for use with a bicycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Multi-Tool Storage Sleeve (300)

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views of an example of a multi-tool storage sleeve, with a flap of the multi-tool storage sleeve in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-tool storage sleeve of FIG. 1, with the flap of the multi-tool storage sleeve in a closed position.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples of use of the multi-tool storage sleeve of FIG. 1.

Bar End Cap (400)

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of an example of a bar end cap.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the bar end cap of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bar end cap of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of use of the bar end cap of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of use of the bar end cap of FIG. 7.

Multi-Tool Sleeve Assembly (500)

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a multi-tool sleeve assembly.

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of use of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates another example of use of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

Multi-Tool System (600)

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of an example of a multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states, respectively.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of another example of a multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states, respectively, and FIG. 22C is a partial cross-sectional view of the multi-tool system of FIG. 22B.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an example of storing the multi-tool system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of storing the multi-tool system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Multi-Tool Storage Sleeve (300)

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views of an example of a multi-tool storage sleeve, with a flap of the multi-tool storage sleeve in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-tool storage sleeve of FIG. 1, with the flap of the multi-tool storage sleeve in a closed position.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples of use of the multi-tool storage sleeve of FIG. 1.

In one example, multi-tool storage sleeve 300 (referred to hereinafter as sleeve 300) is a cylindrical or tubular member and has an open end 312 and a closed end 314 opposite open end 312. In the illustrated example, closed end 314 includes a vent hole 315.

In one implementation, sleeve 300 has an opening 318 formed in a side thereof and includes a flap 320 that may be opened and closed to reveal (substantially) and conceal (substantially) opening 318. In examples, an interior of sleeve 300, as accessed through opening 318, forms a pocket or chamber 322 for storage.

In one example, flap 320 is formed by and/or forms a portion of sleeve 300. In one implementation, flap 320 is hinged with sleeve 300 along an axis oriented parallel (substantially) with a longitudinal axis 309 of sleeve 300 such that flap 320 may be opened by rotation in a direction away from opening 318 (for example, clockwise in the illustrated example of FIG. 3, as represented by arrow 301), and may be closed by rotation in a direction toward opening 318 (for example, clockwise in the illustrated example of FIG. 4, as represented by arrow 302).

In the illustrated example, sleeve 300 includes outwardly protruding annular rings or barbs 330 at (adjacent or near) open end 312. In examples, barbs 330 provide friction-fit of sleeve 300 within a hollow bar, as disclosed herein. Although sleeve 300 is illustrated as including two barbs 330, sleeve 300 may include any number of barbs 330 (including no barbs).

In one example, sleeve 300 is formed of a polymer material. In one implementation, the polymer material is a flexible polymer material, such as, for example, an EPDM rubber material. As such, in examples, sleeve 300 (including flap 320) is flexible.

In the illustrated example, an outer surface of sleeve 300 includes ribs 340 spaced around a circumference of sleeve 300. In one implementation, ribs extend (generally) longitudinally along a length of sleeve 300. As such, in examples, ribs 340 provide reinforcement to sleeve 300.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples of use of sleeve 300. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 5, sleeve 300 may be used to store a multi-tool, such as, for example, bit driver multi-tool 100 (see, for example, FIG. 1). As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, sleeve 300 may be used to store a multi-tool, such as, for example, chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 (see, for example, FIG. 15).

Bar End Cap (400)

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of an example of a bar end cap.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the bar end cap of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bar end cap of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of use of the bar end cap of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of use of the bar end cap of FIG. 7.

In one example, bar end plug or bar end cap 400 (referred to hereinafter as end cap 400) includes a cylindrical body 410 and has a capped end 420 and an open end 440 opposite capped end 420. In the illustrated example, capped end 420 includes a peripheral surface 422, an outer or end face 424, and an inner face 426. In one example, capped end 420 includes a tapered surface 428 extended at a non-orthogonal angle between end face 424 and peripheral surface 422. In one implementation, tapered surface 428 extends less than a full circumference of capped end 420.

In one example, capped end 420 includes a notch or pocket 430 formed in and communicated with inner face 426 and peripheral surface 422. In one implementation, notch or pocket 430 is formed in a region of capped end 420 which excludes (i.e., does not include) tapered surface 428. As such, in one example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a minimum width or thickness (t) of peripheral surface 422 is provided in a region of tapered surface 428 and a region of notch or pocket 430.

In one implementation, body 410 includes an annular ring or barb 412 at (adjacent or near) open end 440. In examples, barb 412 provides friction-fit of end cap 400 within a sleeve, as disclosed herein. In one implementation, body includes a shoulder 414 to limit insertion of end cap 400 into a sleeve, as disclosed herein.

In one example, a groove 444 is provided in an inner surface 442 of open end 440. In one implementation, groove 440 is provided in a region of barb 412. In one implementation, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 10, an O-ring 450 is provided within groove 440. As such, in examples, O-ring 450 helps to retain an item positioned within open end 440, as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of use of end cap 400. For example, end cap 400 may be used to seal or cap an end of a hollow bar. More specifically, end cap 400 may be inserted into an open end 492 of a hollow bar 490 such that a shoulder 427 of capped end 420, as formed by inner face 426, abuts or contacts an end surface 494 of hollow bar 490. In one implementation, an outer periphery 416 of body 410 provides friction-fit of end cap 400 within an end of hollow bar 490, and shoulder 427 of capped end 420 limits insertion of end cap 400 into open end 492 of hollow bar 490. In examples, hollow bar 490 is a handlebar for a bicycle.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of use of end cap 400. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 13, end cap 400 may be used to store a chain link 498 for a roller chain, such as a master link for a roller chain of a bicycle. More specifically, chain link 498 may be inserted into open end 440 of end cap 400. As such, in examples, O-ring 450 (FIG. 10) may help to hold or retain chain link 498 within open end 440. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 14, end cap 400 may be used to store a valve core 499 for a valve stem of an inner tube or a wheel rim, such as an inner tube or a wheel rim of a bicycle. More specifically, valve core 499 may be inserted into open end 440 of end cap 400. As such, in examples, O-ring 450 (FIG. 10) may help to hold or retain valve core 499 within open end 440. Although illustrated and described as being used to store a chain link or a valve core, end cap 400 may also be used to store other items, such as, for example, a Presta-to-Schrader valve adapter.

Multi-Tool Storage Sleeve Assembly (500)

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a multi-tool sleeve assembly.

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of use of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates another example of use of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.

In one implementation, as illustrated in the example of FIGS. 15 and 16, multi-tool storage sleeve 300 (for example, FIG. 1) and bar end cap 400 (for example, FIG. 7) are assembled to form multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 (referred to hereinafter as sleeve assembly 500). More specifically, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 17, open end 440 of end cap 400 is inserted into open end 312 of sleeve 300. As such, barb 412 of end cap 400 contacts an inner surface of sleeve 300 and an end of sleeve 300 abuts or contacts shoulder 414 of end cap 400.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of use of sleeve assembly 500. For example, sleeve assembly 500 is inserted into an open end 592 of a hollow bar 590. As such, in one example, barbs 330 of sleeve 300 contact an inner surface of hollow bar 590 and shoulder 427 of capped end 420 of end cap 400 abuts or contacts an end surface 594 of hollow bar 590. In examples, hollow bar 590 is a handlebar for a bicycle.

Although hollow bar 590 is illustrated as being a straight bar, in other examples, hollow bar 590 may be of other shapes, including, for example, a curved bar. For example, FIG. 19 schematically illustrates an example of sleeve assembly 500 inserted into a curved hollow bar 590′. As such, in some examples, hollow bar 590 may be a straight portion of a “flat” or “riser” handlebar for a bicycle and, in other examples, hollow bar 590 may be a curved portion of a “drop” handlebar for a bicycle.

In one example, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 20, flap 320 of sleeve 300 may be trimmed to adjust a fit of sleeve 300 within, for example, hollow bar 590 and/or hollow bar 590′. More specifically, flap 320 may be trimmed (as represented, for example, by dashed line 329) to adjust an amount of overlap of flap 320 relative to tubular member 310.

Multi-Tool System (600)

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of an example of a multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states, respectively.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of another example of a multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states, respectively, and FIG. 22C is a partial cross-sectional view of the multi-tool system of FIG. 22B.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an example of storing the multi-tool system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of storing the multi-tool system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.

As an example of multi-tool system 600, multi-tool system 601 includes bit driver multi-tool 100 and multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 for storing bit driver multi-tool 100. In an unassembled (or unstored or unstowed) state, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 21A, bit driver multi-tool 100 is removed from multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more specifically, removed from pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300 through opening 318. As such, bit driver multi-tool 100 may be used. In one example, a valve core for a valve stem of an inner tube or a wheel rim, such as valve core 499, may also be stored in multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500, including, more specifically, in an end of bar end cap 400, such as open end 440 (see, for example, FIG. 408).

In an assembled (or stored or stowed) state, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 21B, bit driver multi-tool 100 (with or without valve core 499) is positioned within multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more specifically, positioned within pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300 through opening 318 (FIG. 21A). As such, multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500, with bit driver multi-tool 100 stored therein (with or without valve core 499), may be stored, as disclosed herein.

As another example of multi-tool system 600, multi-tool system 602 includes chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 and multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 for storing chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200. In an unassembled (or unstored or unstowed) state, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 22A, chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 is removed from multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more specifically, removed from pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300 through opening 318. As such, chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 may be used. In one example, a chain link for a roller chain, such as chain link 498, may also be stored in multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500, including, more specifically, in an open end of bar end cap 400, such as open end 440 (see, for example, FIG. 407).

In an assembled (or stored or stowed) state, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 22B, chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 (with or without chain link 498) is positioned within multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more specifically, positioned within pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300 through opening 318 (FIG. 22A). In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 22C, chain link 498 may be stored in open end 440 of bar end cap 400 (see also, for example, FIG. 407). As such, multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500, with chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 stored therein (with or without chain link 498), may be stored, as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an example of storing multi-tool system 600. For example, multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602 may be stored in a hollow bar, such as, for example, a handlebar 690 of a bicycle. More specifically, multi-tool sleeve assembly 500 (with, for example, bit driver multi-tool 100 or chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 stored therein) is inserted into an open end 692 of handlebar 690 such that sleeve 300 is positioned within handlebar 690 and end cap 400 seals or caps open end 692 of handlebar 690.

In one implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 24, multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602 is stored in handlebar 690 such that tapered surface 428 of bar end cap 400 is oriented in a forward direction (i.e., a direction of travel of the bicycle) and notch or pocket 430 is oriented in an opposite direction. As such, tapered surface 428 may help to deflect handlebar 690 if an end of handlebar 690 makes contact with an object (for example, a tree).

In addition, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 24, with multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602 positioned within handlebar 690, notch or pocket 430 may facilitate removal of multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602 from handlebar 690. For example, a user may place a thumb or finger nail, or a flat blade tool, in notch or pocket 430 to pry or force bar end cap 400 (and, therefore, multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602) out of handlebar 690.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-tool sleeve assembly, comprising: a storage sleeve, and a bar end cap to be inserted into an open end of the storage sleeve.
 2. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the storage sleeve to store a multi-tool.
 3. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the multi-tool sleeve assembly to be inserted into an open end of a hollow bar.
 4. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the storage sleeve to be positioned within the hollow bar.
 5. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the bar end cap to seal the open end of the hollow bar.
 6. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the hollow bar comprising a handlebar for a bicycle.
 7. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the storage sleeve including a barb at the open end, the barb to provide friction-fit of the storage sleeve within the hollow bar.
 8. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the storage sleeve having an opening formed in a side thereof and including a flap to be opened and closed to substantially reveal and substantially conceal the opening.
 9. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 8, the flap of the storage sleeve hinged with the storage sleeve along an axis oriented substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the storage sleeve.
 10. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 8, the storage sleeve to have a multi-tool removed therefrom or positioned therewithin through the opening.
 11. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, an outer surface of the storage sleeve including ribs spaced around a circumference thereof.
 12. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 11, the ribs extending longitudinally along a length of the storage sleeve.
 13. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 11, the storage sleeve formed of a polymer material.
 14. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the bar end cap having a capped end and an open end opposite the capped end.
 15. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the capped end including a tapered surface extended at a non-orthogonal angle between an end face of the bar end cap and a peripheral surface of the bar end cap.
 16. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 15, the tapered surface extending less than a full circumference of the capped end.
 17. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the capped end including a notch communicated with an inner face of the bar end cap and a peripheral surface of the bar end cap.
 18. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the bar end cap including a barb adjacent the open end, the barb to provide friction-fit of the bar end cap within the storage sleeve.
 19. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the open end of the bar end cap having a groove provided in an inner surface thereof, and further comprising an O-ring provided within groove.
 20. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 19, the open end of the bar end cap to store one of a chain link for a roller chain or a valve core for a valve stem, the O-ring to retain the one of the chain link or the valve core within the open end of the bar end cap. 